Ademola Lookman Shines as Lone Nigerian Named in AFCON 2025 Group Stage Best XI as Eric Chelle Clinches Coach Honour

Nigeria’s Super Eagles may have stormed through the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with authority, but the official CAF Group Stage Team of the Tournament has delivered a mixed verdict that is already stirring intense debate among fans across the continent.

When the list was unveiled, only one Nigerian player, Ademola Lookman, made the cut, standing tall as the country’s sole on-pitch representative despite Nigeria’s commanding presence in Group C. In contrast, head coach Eric Chelle received major recognition, being named Group Stage Coach of the Tournament, a decision widely praised as a nod to tactical brilliance rather than star power.

Lookman’s inclusion comes as little surprise to close observers of the Super Eagles’ campaign. In a tournament where Nigeria were forced to adapt due to the absence of high-profile names such as Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi, the Atalanta forward emerged as the team’s attacking heartbeat. His pace, intelligence off the ball, and decisive contributions in crucial moments helped Nigeria assert control in their group, often dictating the tempo of matches against determined opposition. For many fans, Lookman was not just Nigeria’s standout performer but one of the most consistent attackers across the entire group phase.

What has sparked controversy, however, is the absence of other Nigerian players from the CAF-curated XI, especially defenders and midfielders who played key roles in maintaining balance and discipline throughout the group stage. Nigeria’s solidity at the back and ability to manage games without conceding soft chances were central to their dominance, yet CAF’s final selection leaned heavily toward players from Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Senegal. While the blend of defensive resilience and attacking flair in the chosen XI reflects the competitive depth of the tournament, many Nigerian supporters believe their team’s collective strength was underrepresented.

Beyond individual selections, the recognition of Eric Chelle as Group Stage Coach of the Tournament has been widely celebrated and carries historical significance. Appointed in January 2025, the Ivorian-born tactician has quickly stamped his authority on the Super Eagles, guiding them through a potentially tricky group with composure and clarity. His honour places him alongside Austin Eguavoen as only the second coach to lead Nigeria to such recognition at the AFCON group stage, reinforcing his growing reputation as one of the tournament’s sharpest football minds.

Chelle’s achievement is particularly striking given the circumstances surrounding Nigeria’s campaign. With injuries and absences limiting his attacking options, he opted for a pragmatic yet flexible approach, emphasizing structure, compactness, and quick transitions rather than relying solely on individual brilliance. This tactical maturity allowed Nigeria to neutralize opponents who arrived with stronger star profiles on paper, turning what many feared could be a vulnerable group into a platform for dominance.

The official Group Stage Best XI itself has become a talking point across African football spaces, not only because of who made the list, but also because of who did not. The lineup showcases a strong North African presence, with Egypt and Morocco contributing defensive steel, while Algeria and Senegal supply attacking creativity and firepower. This balance, according to CAF observers, reflects the overall shape of the tournament’s opening phase, where tactical discipline often triumphed over flamboyance.

Still, Nigerian fans have been vocal in questioning whether the selection truly reflects impact rather than reputation. On social media, debates have raged over whether players from teams that exited early deserved spots over those who drove unbeaten group-stage campaigns. Lookman’s solitary inclusion has therefore taken on symbolic weight, representing not just his personal excellence but also what many see as Nigeria’s understated efficiency throughout the group stage.

Adding another layer to the conversation is the commercial framing of the post, which prominently features SportyBet branding. The integration of betting engagement into tournament highlights has drawn mixed reactions, with some fans appreciating the interactive angle while others feel it distracts from pure football analysis. Nonetheless, the branding has amplified visibility and ensured that the Group Stage XI announcement reached a massive audience, further fueling discussion and speculation ahead of the knockout rounds.

For Lookman, the recognition further cements his status as one of Africa’s most reliable forwards heading into the business end of the competition. Having already earned continental admiration with his club performances in Europe, his AFCON showing has reinforced his ability to deliver on the biggest stages. For Chelle, the coaching honour strengthens his authority within the Nigerian setup and raises expectations that the Super Eagles can push deep into the tournament, if not challenge for the title itself.

As AFCON 2025 moves into the knockout phase, the Group Stage Team of the Tournament will likely be remembered less for consensus and more for controversy. Yet within the noise, two facts stand firm for Nigeria: Ademola Lookman has been officially recognised as elite among Africa’s best, and Eric Chelle has proven that tactical intelligence can shine even brighter than star names. For a Super Eagles side built on resilience and quiet confidence, that combination may prove far more valuable than any lineup graphic as the quest for continental glory continues.